Turkish Airlines Orders 15 Boeing 737 Aircraft

Turkish Airlines on Friday announced that it has decided to order 15 Next-Generation Boeing 737 aircraft in a deal valued at more than $1.2 billion.

The order of the Istanbul-based carrier compromises of ten 737-800s and five 737-900ER aircraft. They have an average list-price value of more than $1.2 billion, although the companies did not release how much was actually paid.

Boeing said it will deliver all of the Turkish Airlines new Next-Generation 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior. This new interior introduces larger overhead stowage bins with a new design that provides more open space in the cabin.

The new interior also provides a soft blue sky overhead simulated by light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and features modern, sculpted sidewalls and window reveals to draw passengers' eyes to the view outside the window, as well as cove lighting and curving architecture.

"Today's 737 order is another important step in our partnership with Turkish Airlines," said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The new Boeing Sky Interior, combined with the 737's industry-leading reliability and superior operating efficiency, provides the perfect tool for Turkish Airlines to continue its successful network expansion."

Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil said the new Boeing 737 aircraft would help the airline to reach "even more cities and build a truly global network." "We are very eager to have these new aircraft join the Turkish Airlines fleet - increasing efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort," he added.

In March 2010, Turkish Airlines finalized an order for 20 Next-Generation Boeing 737 airplanes. That deal was valued at approximately $1.6 billion.